In a mere 36 hours, Hurricane Patricia’s official NHC rating went from minimal tropical storm (40 mph) to Category 5 hurricane--among the most rapid intensification rates one might expect in a hurricane anywhere...

The estimated surface pressure of 892 mb (Millibars) is the lowest on record for the Northeast Pacific, and it ranks #3 for the entire Western Hemisphere...

Along its path, sea-surface temperatures were at near-record warm levels (about 30.5°C, or 87°F), and there was enough deep oceanic heat so that even violent Category 5 winds were unable to stir up enough cooler water to disrupt the storm